Video 18. How the analysis and subdivision of the Holocene is leading science into the Anthropocene.

Summary

The video discusses the significance of the Megalayan Age, a geologic period starting 4,200 years ago marked by a mega drought that impacted civilizations globally. The speaker highlights debates among scientists about its classification and how it ties into human history. The video also touches on the ongoing discussion of the Anthropocene, an era defined by human impact on the planet. It emphasizes how understanding these geologic ages helps explain the evolution of world order and human societies' growing influence on Earth, with future videos promising further exploration of this theme.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The world is currently in the Megalan Age, a distinct phase in Earth's geological timeline that started 4,200 years ago, marked by a severe mega-drought.
• 📜 The Megalan Age represents the youngest phase of the Holocene Epoch, which has been subdivided by the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) into three stages: Greenlandian, Northgrippian, and Megalan.
• 🌀 The mega-drought during the Megalan Age disrupted various civilizations globally, including Egypt, Greece, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley.
• 📉 Some scientists argue that societal collapses during the Megalan Age were not solely caused by climatic shifts, emphasizing human agency and social reorganization instead.
• 🧑‍🔬 The concept of the Anthropocene, a proposed new geological era reflecting human impact on Earth, is still under debate, but many scientists see it as distinct from the purely climate-based Holocene divisions.
• 📚 The debate over the Megalan Age's definition highlights tensions between scientists regarding how geological time should be categorized, especially concerning human influence.
• 🏙️ While the Megalan Age caused short-term collapses in urban civilizations, it also triggered long-term social reorganizations, leading to the rise of new empires and urban centers.
• ⏳ Human history has been shaped by both natural and human-induced events, including pandemics like the Bubonic plague and even possible geomagnetic pole reversals.
• 🌪️ The Megalan Age provides insight into how civilizations respond to environmental stress, shaping the current global world order and possibly paving the way for the recognition of the Anthropocene.
• 📅 The speaker believes that understanding the Megalan Age is crucial for grasping how human history and civilization have evolved, and how we are moving toward an age where human impact on the planet surpasses natural influences.

Q & A

What is the Meghalayan Age and why is it significant?

The Meghalayan Age is the latest subdivision of the Holocene Epoch, marking a distinct period in Earth's history that began around 4,200 years ago with a mega drought. It is significant because this drought had profound societal effects, leading to the collapse of several civilizations and is considered a necessary understanding for the evolution of the world order and the official announcement of the Anthropocene.

How did the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) subdivide the Holocene Epoch?

The ICS subdivided the Holocene Epoch into three stages: the Greenan, the Northgripian, and the Meghalayan. These stages are based on major climate events, with the Meghalayan Age beginning with a destructive drought that lasted for two centuries.

What civilizations were affected by the drought at the start of the Meghalayan Age?

The drought at the beginning of the Meghalayan Age affected civilizations in Egypt, Greece, Syria, Palestine, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley. This led to the collapse of the Old Kingdom of Egypt and the Akkadian Empire in Mesopotamia, among others.

What is the controversy surrounding the Meghalayan Age?

The controversy surrounding the Meghalayan Age includes concerns from some scientists who believe the move to define it is premature. They question whether the climate shifts used as anchors for the new age were truly global in their impact and express concerns about approving divisions while there is still active debate about assigning a new geological time slice to reflect human impact on the planet.

What is the Anthropocene and why is it significant?

The Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch that marks the beginning of a new age where human impact on the Earth's geology and ecosystems is considered to be the dominant influence. It is significant as it reflects the growing recognition that human activities have had a profound effect on the planet, potentially warranting a new classification in the geological time scale.

How does the Meghalayan Age relate to the Anthropocene?

The Meghalayan Age sets the stage for the Anthropocene by providing a geological context for understanding how human societies have evolved and impacted the planet. The Anthropocene is characterized by human influence becoming more significant than natural geological processes, and understanding the Meghalayan Age helps to clarify how we arrived at this point.

What are some of the criticisms regarding the Anthropocene's definition and start point?

Critics argue that the Anthropocene's start point and definition are not universally agreed upon, with some scientists suggesting that the Bubonic plague, polar switches, and other significant historical events should be considered when determining the start of this new epoch.

How did the societal collapse during the Meghalayan Age lead to long-term changes?

The societal collapse during the Meghalayan Age led to a mass migration towards urban centers and the reorganization of societies, which eventually resulted in the formation of large-scale empires that characterized the ancient world. This reorganization is part of the transition into the Anthropocene.

What is the role of human agency in the societal changes during the Meghalayan Age?

Human agency played a significant role in the societal changes during the Meghalayan Age. While the drought caused initial collapses, societies did not simply collapse due to climate change; instead, they reorganized over time, showing the adaptability and resilience of human societies.

What other factors have influenced the transition into the Anthropocene besides the Meghalayan Age?

Besides the Meghalayan Age, other factors influencing the transition into the Anthropocene include significant historical events like the Bubonic plague, polar switches, and the isolation of Native Americans. These events, along with the evolution of human societies, have contributed to the shift towards an age where human impact on the planet is more significant.